Cam Newton is slowly recovering in North Carolina.
The Panthers franchise quarterback returned to practice Wednesday, according to multiple reports. Newton, 27, arrived on a cart with his cleats and helmet in tow, and is set to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints barring any setbacks.
Newton, the reigning MVP, spent the past week in the NFL’s concussion protocol after a violent helmet-to-helmet hit on the goal line in Week 4’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Panthers coach Ron Rivera has yet to say exactly how much his quarterback participated in Wednesday’s practice, but this latest piece of news is undoubtedly good for the team, who is 1-4 this season.
On Monday afternoon, Newton was spotted riding around downtown Charlotte on a scooter without a helmet, something which seems surprising for an athlete supposedly in concussion protocol.
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During Tuesday’s post-mortem press conference, Rivera was asked about Newton’s abstention from protective headgear.
Rivera replied: “I’m not going to worry about that. He’s an adult and we’ll go from there.”
Dr. Gillian Hotz, the director of the University of Miami concussion protocol at UHealth Sports Medicine, said Newton probably should have considered “alternate transportation” while in the protocol.
Backup Panthers quarterback Derek Anderson started Monday’s game, completing 18 of 28 pass attempts for 278 yards. He had no touchdown passes and two interceptions.
After their road matchup against the Saints on Sunday, the Panthers– who lost to the Broncos in Super Bowl 50 in February– will benefit from a bye week, and could thus rest Newton so as to ensure his safety.
CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 17: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers in action against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Bank of America Stadium on January 17, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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